[en] We consider the impact of disorder on the spectrum of three-dimensional nodal-line semimetals. We show that the combination of disorder and a tilted spectrum naturally leads to a non-Hermitian self-energy contribution that can split a nodal line into a pair of exceptional lines. These exceptional lines form the boundary of an open and orientable bulk Fermi ribbon in reciprocal space on which the energy gap vanishes. We find that the orientation and shape of such a disorder-induced bulk Fermi ribbon is controlled by the tilt direction and the disorder properties, which can also be exploited to realize a twisted bulk Fermi ribbon with nontrivial winding number. Our results put forward a paradigm for the exploration of non-Hermitian topological phases of matter.
Disciplines :
Physics
Author, co-author :
Moors, Kristof
Zyuzin, Alexander A.
Zyuzin, Alexander Yu.
Tiwari, Rakesh P.
Schmidt, Thomas ; University of Luxembourg > Faculty of Science, Technology and Communication (FSTC) > Physics and Materials Science Research Unit
External co-authors :
yes
Language :
English
Title :
Disorder-driven exceptional lines and Fermi ribbons in tilted nodal-line semimetals
Publication date :
January 2019
Journal title :
Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter
ISSN :
1095-3795
Publisher :
American Physical Society, New York, United States - Maryland